Famed Guitarist Calls Out Classic Rocker for ‘Misinformed’ Message

2024-09-24

Megadeth. A metal musician and classic rocker are calling each other out.

A metal musician and classic rocker are having words with each other. – Story by Cat Badra, photo by Travis Shinn

Sometimes, rock stars don’t get along. Once someone gets to the point of being famous and traveling the world, playing in front of thousands of people, there can be a little drama involved. So, it should come as no surprise that a few rock stars are having some choice words with each other over shows being canceled. Both of these artists have very passionate fan bases, so there are voices on both sides.

Megadeth Calls Out Peter Frampton, Saying What Happened is ‘Contrary’ to What He Said

Peter Frampton is a classic rock legend, and over the years, he’s been known to say a few things onstage. Sometimes, when rock musicians talk and go off the cuff, they say some things that might not be taken well by others. Such is the case with a recent message Frampton had onstage regarding a show he had to cancel, along with a Megadeth show that was called off of their 2024 tour.

Megadeth canceled their Sept. 15 show at the Virginia Credit Union Live! at Richmond Raceway in Richmond, Virginia because of “unexpected and unpredictable circumstances.” Frampton was supposed to perform at the same venue two days later, but he also had to call off his gig “due to unforeseen circumstances.” Frampton felt the need to explain himself a bit during his performance in Philadelphia on Sept. 19.

“So, we had a show canceled the other day because of weather,” Frampton said to the audience. “And also Megadeth did a soundcheck, I think a couple of days before our show, and after they finished their soundcheck, there was structural damage to the stage. I’m not blaming them — could have been another band — but it looks pretty like it. So, sorry, Megadeth. I had to rat on you.”

Well, vocalist and guitarist Dave Mustaine and Megadeth didn’t like that statement, or at least that’s the gist you get from their statement about the show. The band sent out a response to the press on Monday, Sept. 23, clarifying what they say happened.

Megadeth’s statement says the band didn’t “even get a chance to sound check at all in Richmond, Virginia, contrary to what Peter Frampton reports.” They added that, “Megadeth’s rigger was in the venue’s steel grid system above the stage getting ready to hang the lights when he noticed there was damage to the venue’s grid. He pointed this out immediately to the promoters and the venue.”

They added that “it was determined that it was unsafe for Megadeth to hang their production or put the band on stage at the risk of in-house grid failure to support the weight of the touring lighting and sound which could fall on the band, crew members, or audience, as it could cause serious injury or death. Therefore, Megadeth, the local promoter, the venue, and booking agents had no other option than to cancel the show.”

Dave Mustaine on Peter Frampton: ‘It’s Disappointing’

Mustaine also wanted to get in on the news. He sent out a statement outside of the Megadeth comment, saying, “It seems Frampton was misinformed about our show being canceled. The decision was purely based on safety. It’s disappointing when someone you admire talks out their a** about you.”

Megadeth are still on the road, heading up a tour with openers Mudvayne and All That Remains. The trek will close out Sept. 28 in Nashville. Frampton has also been on the road, and he wrapped up his tour Monday, Sept. 23, in Northfield, Ohio. Watch Frampton talking about Megadeth from the stage of his Philadelphia show below.

Cat Badra
Latest posts by Cat Badra (see all)
Posted by Cat Badra | Music, Rock, Rock News